A Savannah woman has filed a devastating lawsuit against Coastal Fertility Specialists after an alleged IVF mix-up resulted in her carrying and delivering another couple's biological child. Krystena Murray, 38, claims clinic negligence shattered her dreams of motherhood while sparking urgent questions about reproductive industry safeguards.
Court documents reveal Murray selected a white sperm donor matching her physical traits during the 2023 IVF process. Despite successful embryo transfer last May, she delivered an African American baby in December – a shocking outcome that prompted DNA confirmation of the clinic's catastrophic error.
"The first thought was, 'What happened? Can someone take my son?' I bonded with him for five months before losing him forever," Murray stated during Tuesday' press conference.
The emotional fallout accelerated when:
- DNA tests proved no biological relation to the child
- Clinic staff alerted the genetic parents about the swap
- A custody battle forced Murray to surrender the baby in May 2024
Legal experts highlight this case as a watershed moment for fertility clinic accountability. Murray's lawsuit alleges 11 counts including battery, breach of fiduciary duty, and fraud – seeking over $75k in damages plus industry reforms.
Attorney Adam Wolf emphasized the unprecedented nature of the error: "Patients expect technical risks, not literally receiving another family's embryo. This represents institutional failure at every level."
As genetic testing becomes standard post-Alabama's recent embryo rulings, advocates demand stricter clinic protocols nationwide. Murray continues IVF treatments elsewhere but acknowledges permanent scars: "Not knowing my embryo's fate – whether another parent raises my biological child – haunts me daily."
